Mission Post | Sharpening the Axe: The Value of Ongoing Education with Dr. J. Michael Lester

Mission Post | Sharpening the Axe: The Value of Ongoing Education with Dr. J. Michael LesterJoin us for a powerful and encouraging conversation with Dr. J. Michael Lester, President of Veritas Baptist College, as he shares his journey of ministry, leadership, education, and faith. From his early calling as a teenager in Georgia, to 26 years of teaching and leading in California, to now guiding an online Bible college that equips pastors and missionaries worldwide—Dr. Lester offers wisdom for every stage of ministry.In this interview, we discuss:• The mission and vision of Veritas Baptist College• Why ongoing ministry education matters for pastors and missionaries• How missionaries can continue training from anywhere in the world• Leadership lessons from decades in Christian education• The importance of preparation in the call to preach• How to build teams, manage time, and stay effective• Encouragement for missionaries facing trials, discouragement, or burnout• Dr. Lester’s books Go Forward and Rightly Divided• Personal stories of faith, family, and God’s graceWhether you’re a missionary, pastor, youth leader, Bible college student, or someone preparing for full‑time ministry, this conversation is filled with practical insight and spiritual encouragement.✨ Learn more about Veritas Baptist College: https://vbc.edu/✨ Explore Vision Baptist Missions: https://visionmissions.com👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help more people learn about missions and the work God is doing around the world.SUBSCRIBE to our podcast "Mission Post" on all platforms.To learn more about Vision Baptist Missions, go to visionmissions.comFollow us on social media and check out our website.Quotes!✅ Quotes About Ministry & Calling• “A call to preach is a call to prepare.”• “I have one life—so how can I get the most impact out of that life for God’s kingdom?”• “The more you give God to work with, the more He can use you.”• “You don’t have to be a butter knife when you could be a steak knife.”• “I live for the audience of one.”________________________________________✅ Quotes on Education & Training• “Continuing education keeps us sharp—it keeps us thinking and growing.”• “You can stay in your church, serve in your church, and we can bring the education to you.”• “We need missionaries who are prepared, equipped, and ready to step into the classroom when their fieldwork is finished.”• “Tools matter—better tools expand your reach and effectiveness.”• “Sharpening your mind is part of loving the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind.”________________________________________✅ Quotes on Leadership• “If I only had six hours to cut down a tree, I’d spend four hours sharpening the axe.”• “Delegation isn’t avoiding work—it’s building teams so more can be accomplished.”• “Wisdom doesn’t give you more hours; it helps you get more done with the hours you have.”• “Two are better than one, and teamwork multiplies effectiveness.”________________________________________✅ Quotes on Personal Journey• “When I surrendered to preach, I didn’t know what that meant—only that God wanted my life.”• “One sentence from the right mentor can change your entire direction.”• “God often redirects us through the encouragement of others.”• “I’ve learned that sometimes the hardest moments become the places where God grows you the most.”